Get inspired by Delight London | Designers interview

Delight London’s designs by Ros Weaver delight in rendering the humble gorgeous.
The original eye-catching ‘rubellery’ is handmade in east London using ethically sourced natural rubber bands derived from sustainable rubber plantations. Other recycled and upcycled ingredients include safety pins, skateboard bearings and antique ceramic and glass fragments from the river Thames estuary.
Delight London was awarded the Eco Choice Award for Most Innovative Product in New York in 2014.

Ros Weaver  Delight London
Designed in United Kingdom

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• What difficulties did you face at the beginning of your career?

I was a design journalist when I was inspired to start making jewellery out of rubber bands. I had always made things as well as writing and, as printed publications began to shrink and disappear, I thought the time was ripe to change career. I also had young children and needed to be able to work around their needs. I began with a market stall on Brick Lane in London and I soon realised that I wasn’t going to be able to give up the day job for a while.

• Is there anything you wish you knew at the beginning of your career and is having a talent enough in order to be a successful designer?

I wish my education had taught me more about running a business, especially the financial part of it. I was always rubbish at maths. You need to be an all-rounder to run your own creative business, and that includes doing accounts and marketing as well as actually designing and producing things. Most of the designers who have a successful brand have a partner who runs the business side.

• Do you think that the current phenomenon “globalisation” has a negative impact on local cultures/arts/crafts?

People often expect handmade items to cost little. They are used to buying handmade things from countries such as India or China where labour is cheaper. But it has also had a positive result for me as I can bring my designs to appreciative customers in other countries.

• Did you ever go through a period when you thought about quitting your job as designer?

I love designing and making, but there are ups and downs in running a creative business. I consider quitting often. But then I realise I’m lucky to do what I love.